Panerai Radiomir Tourbillon GMT Bronzo

Just opened at the prime location of New York’s Madison Avenue, Casa Panerai is the luxury watchmaker’s largest boutique to date, and home to an extensive collection of new and classic time-tellers. In celebrating the opening, Panerai also premiered the Panerai Radiomir Tourbillon Bronzo, as well as a special Luminor BiTempo New York Edition.

The Panerai Radiomir Tourbillon Bronzo is Panerai’s first-over tourbillon to arrive in a 45mm case size and is possibly the main centerpiece for the new boutique. It’s set in a bronze case, that gradually exudes even more retro charm and vintage appeal through time, oxidation, and wear. In line with its overall aesthetic, the watch is paired with a dark brown calf leather strap with contrasting top-stitches. At the heart and on the face of the time-teller, the P.2015/T calibre can be observed as it powers the piece for up to four days. Meanwhile, the dial pits a luscious deep green with bronze-hued numerals, hour markers, and lume-filled hands for a contrasting, yet complementing effect.

A dedicated timepiece for the occasion, the Luminor BiTempo New York Edition is offered in a limited run of 212 pieces. The 44mm titanium DLC case comes equipped with Luminor’s hallmarked sandwich dial in an understated gray, matte, and shaded finish. Sleek, sophisticated, and durable, the watch is also bestowed with a three-day power reserve, and 30 bar water resistance via the automatic P9010/GMT calibre it houses. Accompanying the stealthy timepiece is a matching gray strap composed of recycled PET.

Take a closer look at the aforementioned timepieces, as well as the newly-unveiled Casa Panerai boutique in the gallery above. To find out about the two watches’ price points and availability, check them out in person at the boutique, or keep an eye out on Panerai’s Instagram and official website for updates.
Giovani Panerai opened his first watch shop in Florence, Italy in 1860, and his operation soon expanded to include a bustling workshop and Florence’s first horological training center. By the early 20th Century, Panerai had taken on contracts for the Royal Italian Navy, and in 1916 Panerai secured a crucial patent for Radiomir, a radium-based glowing paint.

Like so many firms stuck in fascist countries, Panerai Radiomir Tourbillon Bronzo developed watches for the wrong side during WWII, but Mussolini’s dictatorial mandates and deep pockets spurred Panerai to innovate at a rapid pace. They developed the Perspex crystal (1936), massive luminous sandwich dials (1938), integrated lugs with spring bars (1940) and a movement with an 8-day power reserve to reduce wear on crown seals (also 1940). After the fascists fell, Panerai developed its renowned tritium-based lume called Luminor (1949), and its signature lever-activated crown lock (1950).

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